Self-defense class teaches how to fight off attackers

By Amy Gassen
November 9, 2000

by Amy Gassen
staff writer

Recent scares of an on-campus attacker have had the community in an uproar. Public Safety has offered to escort students to different on-campus locations while many others opt to use the buddy system. Tracey Greenwood, fitness director, coordinated a self-defense class to help ward off attackers.

“Because of the recent incidents on campus,” Greenwood said, “we though it would be beneficial for our students to learn some simple techniques.”

Basic techniques in self-defense were demonstrated and practiced in the Dixon Center on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Flex Houvig, a community member, taught the class. According to Houvig, he has been studying various forms of martial arts for the past 25 years including Judo, Tai Chi and Southern Praying Mantis.

“A lot of the things I’ve learned in the various arts,” Houvig said, “I tried to tie together and apply (for the class.)”

The class which was offered free to students and Dixon Center members was composed of four female students and one adult community member.

“We worked on a lot of simple things to do to ward off an attacker,” Houvig said. According to Houvig, the class was broken down into decision-making and not getting flustered when forced to make a quick decision, simple techniques to ward off an attacker, what to do when attacked from behind and how to ward off an attack from the ground.

“The key is to show people things and have them actually try them,” Houvig said. He would explain a defense technique, demonstrate the technique, then he would have the class practice the move.

A “don’t mess with me attitude” was the whole idea of he class. “Most attackers go after people think will be an easy target,” Houvig said.

Azeen Keramati, a senior, was one of the class participants. She took the class because of the attacker scare and to take advantage of the “really good opportunity to learn to defending yourself.”

“It was very good. It was really informal. It empowers yourself to really take care of yourself,” Keramati said about the class.

Those that missed the class and would like to partake in a self-defense class should contact Tracey Greenwood at extension 8318.

“Right now, if I get a request, we’ll certainly have another class,” Greenwood said. According to Houvig, another self defense course will be offered the first weekend in December.

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Amy Gassen

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